Paignton 12 - 26 Exmouth

This week, Exmouth Colts travelled to Paignton in a friendly. With both teams coming from opposite sides of the Devon Merit league, they were planning on showing what they had to offer. However the travelling side showed their clinical display by putting four tries past the home team.

Paignton started the game off well with good tactical play to put them in Exmouth’s half. Their efficient moves and phases, through forward play, paid off and they scored the opening try to go ahead. 

Exmouth then responded. From a lineout move, the backs ran through the home sides defence for winger Kev Rodwell, to score near the posts. Shaun Fayter converted to level the scores at 7-7.

The Cockles then took control of the game making possession and territory theirs. Good organisation and patience led to another try, this time Lloyd Murrin crossing, making the score 12-7, with a missed conversion by fly-half Fayter.

The home team again fought back with a well worked try of their own to leave the scores matched at half time.

Exmouth needed to come away with more points in the second half to pay off for their strong display. Again the visitors were patient, letting the ball do the work, and waiting for the right opportunity to attack. From a penalty kick to touch, Exmouth showed their skill in the set piece. A well planned lineout led to Ty Tuckett being driven over to score Exmouth’s third try. A missed conversion left the score at 19-12.

Nearing the end of the game, Exmouth showed great power and organisation in the team, by playing well structured rugby. Lloyd Murrin collected the ball from a loose kick by Paignton and attempted a drop goal to finish off the game. A rare scene saw the ball bounce off the post, and with a fantastic chase, allowed winger Kev Rodwell to collect and go over for his second. Shaun Fayter converted leaving the final score 26-12 to Exmouth Colts.

This was a solid team performance with the team growing in confidence.  Joe Parkin and Sam Bull worked well and are forging a good 8 & 9 partnership.  But Grant Vaughan Atkins and Kev Rodwell were popular choice as forward/back of the match.

Next week Exmouth travel to Barnstaple for their second meeting of the season. In this league match Exmouth will want to put one over on the second placed team creating more pressurising for the top spot.